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Virtual Markets and Local Farms for Getting Your Farm Fresh Fix

For the past six months, Saturday mornings in my world have been reserved for visiting my closest weekly farmers market. I love chatting with the local vendors, farmers and artists while stocking up on produce for the week. It’s a small, simple joy that I find myself longing for so much more now that leaving the house is strictly limited to grocery shopping and the occasional takeout meal. While adapting to this strange new normal, it might be easy to forget that our local farmers are still producing food. Hitting the closest grocery chain with dozens of other people isn’t the only way to get it right now. Below, I’ve rounded up several alternate ways to shop right now including local farms in Orlando and markets offering online ordering and curbside pickup.

Also available is a selection of items from The Sanctum’s kitchen. Think homemade granola, guacamole, sauces, gluten free pizza crust and more. You can even order toilet paper–yep, you read that right. Pickups are on Tuesdays (order by 12pm on Sundays) and Saturdays (order by 12pm on Thursdays) at The Sanctum Cafe, Proper and Wild or The Sanctum Coffee & Juice Bar in Altamonte. All items ordered will be placed directly into your trunk or backseat when picking up. These pickup dates coincide with the pickup dates for bulk family-style meals, a yummy and healthy alternative if you don’t want to be doing all the cooking right now.

Winter Garden Farmer’s Market

The Winter Garden Farmer’s Market is my weekly go-to for grocery shopping. While shopping may look and feel a bit different for the time being, the market remains open. Only vendors selling produce and packaged food items are in attendance, there are hand sanitizing stations, food sampling is not allowed, and social distancing measures are being maintained. If you’re more comfortable picking up curbside, the market has designated pickup zones for advance orders from select vendors. The Farmacy and Gardners Fresh Produce are both accepting advance orders for pickup.

Lake Meadow Naturals

Once you’ve tasted farm fresh eggs, you really can’t go back. Lake Meadow Naturals is a local farm in Orlando best known for their eggs (when life resumes to normal you can visit and pick your own!) but they also have a farm store selling meat, cheeses, butter, jams and more. As an added bonus, The Farmacy has partnered with the farm to stock up the store with local greens and other produce, too! At the time of writing, the farm is open seven days a week, but check Facebook for up to date hours. The store is limited to no more than 8 guests at a time. Show up with a shopping list to make things fast and efficient for you and anyone else waiting to shop.

Image credit: Lake Meadow Naturals

Southern Hill Farms

This local farm in Clermont is one of my personal favorites for picking blueberries each spring. Sadly, I may not be able to enjoy that springtime activity this year. But in the meantime, the farm has launched an online ordering system for their famous blueberries and much more. Blueberries are available in 2 lb. and 1 gallon amounts, along with peaches, baked goods, lemonade, jams and even craft beer. Add some sunflowers and zinnias to brighten your home. Or, order a blueberry plant to begin an edible garden in your own backyard. Your order will be delivered to your car upon arrival.

Long & Scott Farms

Most famous for its annual corn maze each fall, Long & Scott Farms also has a fresh produce market. Stock up on goodies harvested straight from the farm like Zellwood sweet corn, sweet onions, cucumbers, brussels sprouts, a variety of greens, okra and more. You’ll also find locally sourced items including tomatoes, eggs, Amish butter, jams, peaches and more. The market is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9am-5pm.

Mick Farms Farm Stand

For those of you in Osceola County, Mick Farms has a wonderful farm stand. Load up on fresh berries, greens, tomatoes, squash and onions alongside honey, canned goods and more. The farm is currently open Monday-Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sundays from noon-4pm. Check social media for the most up to date information.